The Seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates

Federal Monarchy: 7 Emirates, 1 Nation

The UAE, founded 2 December 1971, is a federation of seven hereditary absolute monarchies (emirates). Each emirate retains significant autonomy (oil revenues, judicial, police, municipal).

The Seven Emirates (by land area)

1. Abu Dhabi (87% of UAE land) — Capital, oil wealth, federal government, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
2. Dubai — Global hub: trade, finance, tourism, real estate, aviation (DXB), Expo 2020. Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah.
3. Sharjah — Cultural capital (UNESCO), museums, universities, alcohol-free, family-oriented. Third largest.
4. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) — Mountains, hiking (Jebel Jais), industry (ceramics, pharma), tourism.
5. Fujairah — Only emirate on Gulf of Oman (Indian Ocean). Port, bunkering, mountains, beaches.
6. Ajman — Smallest (260 km²). Enclaved in Sharjah. Real estate, boat building, Ajman Free Zone.
7. Umm Al Quwain — Least populous. Lagoon, mangroves, Dreamland Aqua Park, archaeology (Ed-Dur).

Governance

• Federal Supreme Council: 7 Rulers (elect President/VP — traditionally Abu Dhabi Ruler = President, Dubai Ruler = VP/PM).
• Cabinet: Federal ministers.
• FNC: 40-member Federal National Council (advisory, half elected).